Covid-19: Spike in cases in Malaysia in line with global surge, says Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in daily Covid-19 infections in Malaysia is in line with the rising number of cases globally, says the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Oct 2 that the 287 cases recorded was the highest ever since the start of the pandemic.

"This rising trend is what the Health Ministry is worried about as it is definitely in line with the rising number of Covid-19 cases and deaths globally.

"As of today, 34.2 million cases have been recorded globally, and the number of daily recorded cases show an increase of around 309,000 cases compared with 302,000 cases previously," he said in a press conference on Friday.

He said of the 287 new cases recorded on Friday in Malaysia, 128 were from the Tembok cluster involving a prison in Kedah.

"From the remaining 159 cases, 113 were detected in Sabah from the already identified clusters, as well as four districts currently under an enhanced movement control order (MCO).

"It is hoped that the enhanced MCO and inter-district travel control in Sabah, which will be in effect from 12.01am on Oct 3 to Oct 16, will help to reduce the number of cases there," he said, adding that there were 20 new cases today involving those who had previously travelled to Sabah.

He said the cases were identified following screenings on visitors who arrived from Sabah at all domestic and international entry points between Sept 27 and Oct 10.

"Those who tested negative are encouraged to continue their quarantines until they complete the 14 days.

"While we are already prepared, all state Health Departments and district health offices nationwide have been reminded to face any possibility of high increase in cases within their localities and to redouble their efforts to trace, test, isolate and treat any Covid-19 cases.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry always worked with other agencies to carry out this responsibility but they would not be able do it alone.

"The bigger responsibility lies on the shoulders of each person within the community regardless of position, background and status.

"Avoid blaming one another.

"The social responsibility must be shouldered together so that we can break the chain of Covid-19 infections in the country," he said.